Insurance

Department

NEWS

RELEASE

Contact:

Public Affairs

(212) 480-5262

ALBANY COUNTY WOMAN ACCUSED OF INSURANCE FRAUD

An Albany County woman who reported that her iPod, GPS and laptop computer were stolen was arrested for insurance fraud Nov. 9 when investigators used a bank’s video surveillance camera to confirm that no theft had occurred.

Police arrested Robin G. Jones, 50, of Esplande Street, Selkirk, as the result of an investigation by Valerie A. Burke of the New York State Insurance Department’s Frauds Bureau.

Jones filed a $1,620 insurance claim with New York Central Mutual Fire Insurance Company in June, advising the company that the electronic equipment was stolen from her car while it was parked at 833 Broadway in Albany.

The insurance company declined to pay the claim filed by Jones, who is employed as a customer service representative for a major insurance company. Investigators reviewed the surveillance video which contradicted Jones’s claim that someone had taken the items from her car. The surveillance camera was located near where her car was parked. She admitted lying about the theft when shown the video by investigators.

Jones was released pending a hearing to be scheduled in Albany Criminal Court. She could be sentenced to up to four years in prison if convicted. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Jarrod Sanford.